Bangsar
In 1906,
when Malaya was still under British administration, the London based Kuala
Lumpur Rubber Co. Ltd. (KLR) was incorporated on 19 May 1906. KLR was set out
to plant rubber trees around Kuala Lumpur to capitalize on the booming rubber
price brought about by the introduction of the modern motor-car. Among KLR's first
board members were Mr. Edouard Bunge and Alfred Grisar. The two men's name were
contracted to create the name Bunge-Grisar rubber estate or Bungsar Estate. The
Bungsar Estate was owned by its plantation firm Socfin, before it was developed
into a residential area. Bangsar Park was the first area to be developed for housing
in Kuala Lumpur in 1969.
Bangsarian His-story Walk (1 - 8)
Tenaga
Nasional Berhad (1)
The building of TNB Headquarters was designed by Mr. A. A. Geeraerts
A.R.I.B.A. and was known to be one of the most prominent architectural
landmarks in Kuala Lumpur during 1960s. Located on Jalan Bangsar, it stands 11
storey high. The opening ceremony of the TNB Headquarters was officiated by the
first Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, on June 1966.
Sang Wot
Kopitiam (2)
This kopitiam along Jalan Bangsar is popular with staff of the New
Straits Times and Tenaga Nasional Berhad. Three brothers operate this pork-free
eatery since 1959. In juggling with the rocket high rental year after year, Wai
Man Fashion came in 26 years ago to share the half lot in keeping his streamlined
tailor shop alive. Most of the government civil servant and body guard attires
are made here at affordable price.
The Basikal
(3)
Perched atop a weathered Bangsar shop-house, The Basikal is accessible
furtively via a back lane. The venue is fuelled by pedal power, a community
space created by cyclists for cyclists, with retail and repair facilities
complemented by events and workshops. Food enthusiasts shouldn't simply whiz
past with its well-considered menu rooftop café.
China Press
(4)
China Press is a Malaysian Chinese-language newspaper set up by Tun Henry
Lee Hau Shik (H. S. Lee). China Press first published on 1 February 1946.
Originally started in Singapore, the newspaper first ventured into Kuala Lumpur
in 1958, and later moved to Kuala Lumpur, first with Jalan Travers, Brickfileds
in 1962 and followed by Jalan Bangsar in 1972.
New Straits
Times Press (5)
In 1845, Catchick Moses, an Armenian, bought a printing press and
appointed Robert Carr Woods as an editor. In March 1930, The Straits Times
Press Pte Ltd opened its first office in Federated Malay States (FMS) at Market
Square, Java Street (now known as Jalan Tun Perak), Kuala Lumpur. The Straits
Times Press (Malaya) Berhad eventually moved from Jalan Pudu to Balai Berita,
Bangsar in 1967.
Art
Printing Works (APW) (6)
In 1938, Ee Lay Swee found The Royal Press. In 1952, Ee Lay Swee set up
another printing business at Lebuh Ampang. In 1965, the company moved to
Bangsar, and APW was born. APW was one of the most prolific printers in Kuala
Lumpur from the 60s to the 80s. In 2013, an idea was conceived to repurpose
underutilised spaces within the printing factory - to convert the factory into
an inspiring creative space.
Arulmigu
Sri Ramalingeswarar Temple (7)
In 1903, Arulmigu Sri Ramalinga Eeswarar Alayam, a temple was built by
the Malayan Railway upon the demand of the employees in the area. In 1980, the
temple was marked for demolition. Perseverance from devotees and Tan Sri
Manickavasagam, led to the granting of land at Lot 61 Jalan Maarof where the
new temple now stands. It is the only Siva Temple in Kuala Lumpur area.
Institut
Kesihatan Malaysia (8)
In the early 1900s, Bangsar's first hospital known as the Bangsar Hospital
or European Hospital was built. It served the European community staying in the
country at the time and it was among the earliest government buildings built
during that time. In 1967, the Institute for Public Health (Institut Kesihatan
Umum) was officially inaugurated and eventually expanded to its present form.
Bangsar Trademark Walk (9 - 16)
Nam Chun
Kopitiam (9)
This kopitiam was established since more than 40 years. Do swing by Mon
Kee confectionery at the front and bag up some 'siu bao' (hot crusted pastry with
warm porky filling) for your tea-time. One could also spur of the moment to
check out the offerings at Uncle Lee's kuih cart that parks outside of the
kopitiam in late noon. The cart is usually mobbed and the wait is substantial and
tortuous, as watching the supply of kuih dwindle.
Bangsar Wet
Market (10)
This market comes to life when the city is still asleep. There is a
lively, chaotic and irresistibly atmosphere. The sharp tang of spices competes
with the heavy aroma of sweet roasting meat and ripe fruit, wafting over the
jabbering cacophony of commerce. The delight of this market emphasis on green
produce like fruits and vegetables, but a small section still offers fresh pork
meats and seafood for sale.
Teng
Minimarket Centre (TMC) Bangsar (11)
Giant was found in 1944 Teng Sek How as a small grocery store in Kuala
Lumpur, and expanded with the opening of the Teng Minimarket Centre in Bangsar
in 1974. TMC went on to be synonymous with the people of Bangsar. Giant is one
of the largest players of the retail industry in Malaysia, however neither of
these grocery store groups are managed under the Teng family anymore. Now their
focus is on Jaya Grocer.
Mahbub
Restaurant (12)
Started in 1974 in Bangsar, Restoran Mahbub was originally known as
Restoran Sharifa. It was later renamed and known popularly as Restoran Mahbub
in 1955. Started with very few dishes, it quickly gained popularity with Nasi
Briyani Ayam Madu (Honey Chicken Briyani), which has become the best signature
dish since 1974. By the year 2000, the restaurant introduced another best
selling dish, Nasi Briyani Buhara.
Devi's
Corner (13)
Devi's Corner is one of the Indian mamak serving the best Banana Leaf Rice
in Bangsar. It is based on rich curries and generously spicy condiments. The
signature Kerala fish curry and mutton musala remain their go-to dishes. Over
the years, Devi's Corner has won Best Cheap Eats in the Time Out KL Food Awards
2013. It was shortlisted Best Banana Leaf in 2012 and voted Best Mamak / Hawker
in 2011.
Rocky
Kopitiam (14)
Opened in 1974, it was the one and only place in Bangsar where one can
find sustenance. A homely corner 'coffeeshop' that serves unfussy homely dishes
that won a place in the locals' hearts. Run by a pair of sisters like your
aunt-in-charge, the offering is reliable and filling. It was named after Rocky
Mountain when the girls studied North American geography at Assunta Girls
School.
Chai Joo
Seng Grocery Shop (15)
Proprietors of the only store of its kind in Bangsar since 1972, time
seems to stand still over here. This 'zhap fo pou' has been filling up Bangsar
homes with household staples such as feather dusters, clogs and jars of
pineapple biscuits. The shop is a lasting symbol of a bygone practice - when
fresh goods arrived in baskets and not plastic sealed; when the abacus was more
reliable than a calculator.
Silverfish
Books, Bangsar Village (16)
Established in 1999, Silverfish Books is an independent bookstore focused
on literature, philosophy, and Malaysian writing in English. This bookstore has
been stocking more than a decade rare titles, a well edited mix of literature,
classics as well as an offbeat local lineup. Being one of the leading
publishers of Malaysian writing in English, they regularly hold discussions for
writers to ruminate about literature and their respective works.
Bangsar Place Making Walk (2 - 6; 17
- 19)
(2 to 6: Refer Bangsarian His-story Walk)
Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Centre
(17)
PAM, also known as Malaysian Institute of Architects, is the national
professional institute representing architects in Malaysia. In 1920, PAM was
founded as the Institute of Architects Malaya. Another change in name to
reflect national sovereignty, and registration under the current name, came
about when PAM was registered with the Registrar of Societies on 20 January
1967.
Narayana
Moorthy Flour Mill (18)
Operated as a manufacturer of curry powder for over 47 years in the
neighbourhood. Curry powder is made from cumin, coriander, tumeric, ginger,
cardamom, fenugreek garlic and cayenne; sometimes added in mustard and black
pepper. One can step in and see the process grinding in a mortar and the
packaging facilities. The order here is only in bulk and not in loose.
L45
Community Library (19)
L45 Community Library is also known as the Kurau Community Library.
Modernist structure constructed of raw cement and steel, it is not a private
residence but a community library that also house some students. The two co-exist
in the same building, but are independent of each other. This is a space
designed by Tetawowe Atelier where kids and college students alike can hang out
and read. Book donations are always welcomed.
